Reforms for Stability and Sustainable Growth - CD-vel [antikvár]

ForewordIn today's globalised economy, advancing economic reform is key to helping countries achieve faster growth and reach higher levels of well-being.Hungary, like many OECD countries, has embarked on an ambitious reform agenda, and its government has expressed the need for an evidence-based debate on critical reform issues. I was honoured when, last November, Prime Minister Gyurcsány asked us to look at challenges for growth in Hungary from an OECD perspective based on our international experience.This publication is the result of that request. It builds on OECD analysis and country-specific reviews of Hungary, as well as on specific thematic research. Additional insights were gained from the participation of OECD experts in three seminars organised in Budapest on taxes, pensions and education. The exercise contributed to building a better understanding of Hungary's performance in different areas where reforms are under implementation or being considered.Our findings point clearly to the need to forge ahead with structural reforms. To start with, there is a need to persevere in the planned programme for fiscal consolidation, as this is key to creating more economic growth and greasing the wheels for further reforms and investments in the quality of public services. Addressing the urgent challenges facing the country - low employment rates, insufficient higher education, and low health status, among others - requires decisive action.The themes and the scope of the report were developed with the invaluable help of the Hungarian Delegation to the OECD, and with pertinent information from the Hungarian Government. This report is the result of a joint effort across a large number of OECD departments. It is released on the request of the Hungarian Government, under the responsibility of the OECD Secretary-General.The OECD stands ready to support its members in the identification, design and implementation of reforms, building on our working methods of analysis, peer review and policy dialogue. This sharing of experiences among countries represents an invaluable resource for designing sound policies. It is our hope that this volume will enrich the debate and create a consensus around the policy measures needed to foster sustainable growth and prosperity for the Hungarian people.Angel Gurrfa OECD Secretary-GeneralREFORMS FOR STABILITY AND SUSTAINABLE GROWTH - ISBN-978-92-64-04376-3 6 OECD 2008